posted May 18, 2010 6:28 PM by Texas Techies
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updated May 18, 2010 6:38 PM
]
GLADIADORES MC ARE HOSTING THE
1ST ANNUAL BAD TO THE BONE RIB COOK OFF
BENEFITING C.A.S.A.
AMERICAN LEGIONGoogle Map 10 AM - 4 PM
AMERICAN LEGION,
5323 KOSTORYZ,
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415
C.A.S.A. COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN: to ensure the immediate needs of the child are being met, to place these children in a safe, nurturing environment as quickly as possible and to provide advocacy for each child and speak up on behalf of each child's best interest. |
posted Apr 6, 2010 1:24 PM by Texas Techies
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updated Apr 6, 2010 1:32 PM
]
THE STORY
April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Awareness and
Prevention Month which began in 1989.
The observance's founding has been attributed to Bonnie Finney of
Norfolk, VA a grandmother who turned her grief into action after the murder of her 3 year old grandson,
Michael. Investigators found Michael's body wrapped in a sheet, stuffed in a tool box, and dumped in a swamp
just after her 16-month granddaugher was hospitalized with burns and broken bones from abuse. Ms.
Finney tied a blue ribbon to her van as a sign of her personal commitment to involve everyone in the battle to stop
child abuse and neglect. She chose the color blue to symbolize the bruises that covered her
grandchildren.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country, and many wear blue ribbons
each April in memory of those who have died as a result of child abuse. In other
communities, special fundraisers are held to support prevention activities and treatment facilities for victims, and candlelight vigils are
held as a remembrance. Most recently, the focus has shifted toward a more positive message of celebrating "blue ribbon" individuals, organizations,
and communities who have done much to prevent child abuse and
neglect. http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/history.cfm
HOW WILL CASA SUPPORT
THIS?
When:
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time:
5pm - 9pm
Where:
Gattitown 5513 Saratoga Blvd 78413
What:
CASA will provide BLUE ribbons to the public to
wear and tie to the antenna of their vehicle.
We
will also provide the public information on child abuse and how they can
help.
Gattitown will donate 15% of their proceedes that evening to CASA of the Coastal
Bend.
CASA will invite other organizations that support this cause i.e. CPS, Child
Advocacy Center, Family Outreach etc...
They too will hand out information.
Why Support this cause?
2009
Confirmed Victims of Child Abuse/Neglect
|
FY 2009
|
Completed
Investigations
|
Confirmed
Investigations
|
Confirmed Victims of child
abuse/neglect
|
|
|
Nueces County
|
3,930
|
949
|
1,648
|
|
|
Texas
|
165,444
|
40,126
|
68,326
|
|
|
2008 confirmed victims was 2032 that is a drop of
12% - 348 less victims due to awareness!
The number of children in need of a CASA volunteer who
were in care of CPS for 2009 was 775.
CASA was appointed to 302 of those children.
Volunteers are desperately needed in order to
meet our goal of "A CASA FOR EVERY CHILD!"
Child
population in Nueces is 87,371 this adds up to 23 children out of 1000 being
confirmed victims of abuse. 24%
of investigations completed were confirmed. Please take the time
to look through our SPONSOR packet to
show your support.
-
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) help break the cycle of child abuse.
- 66% of people in Texas prisons today were in foster care yesterday.
- 75% of foster children without a CASA volunteer come back into the system (foster care)
- A child without a CASA volunteer spends 2+ years in foster care… a child with a CASA volunteer spends 1 year in foster care.
- In Nueces County a Child Protective Services worker is responsible for 60-65 cases per month.
- A CASA volunteer is responsible for 1 case at a time allowing the volunteer to give quality one on one time to each case allowing them to make informed, knowledgeable recommendations on behalf of the children.
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posted Apr 2, 2010 3:27 PM by Texas Techies
[
updated Apr 20, 2010 5:06 AM
]
On Your Mark....Get Ready....Get Set....GO!
E-mail diana@interconnect.net for a sponsor packet. Advertise your business by sponsoring our 5K run. You may also call 884-2272 or 361-779-3664. We look forward to seeing you there. Forward this to everyone you know.http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1837136
Saturday, May 01, 2010
@ 8:00 AM local time
Address:
Kids Place at Cole Park,
1526 Ocean Dr.
Contact Info:
CASA (361-884-2272)
Presented By:
CASA of the Coastal Bend
Packet Pick Up:
Thursday April 29, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday April 30, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2602 Prescott Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Brief Description:
Speak Up for Kids will raise funds and friends for CASA (Court
Appointed Special Advocate™) volunteers who speak up for abused and
neglected children. This spring, 5K events will be hosted by local CASA
programs in San Antonio, Lubbock, Corpus Christi and Marble Falls. The
CASA 5K Series is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and
Texas CASA.
Our Mission:
Improving the lives of abused and neglected children through
court-appointed volunteers advocating for services and placement in
safe and permanent homes.
Proceeds from each 5K event will benefit the local CASA program in
their efforts to recruit and train CASA volunteers to give a “voice” to
abused and neglected children in court and the foster care system.
Additional Information: Kids K Awards All Kids K
participants will receive Ribbons. 5K Race Awards 10 & Under 11 -
12 13 - 14 15 & over every 5 70 +
Speak Up For Kids CASA 5K events across the state raise funds and
friends for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate™) volunteers who
speak up for abused and neglected children. The Speak Up For Kids CASA
5K Series is proudly presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
and is supported by Texas CASA.
Proceeds from each 5K event benefit your local CASA program in their
efforts to recruit and train CASA volunteers to give a “voice” to
abused and neglected children in court and the foster care system.
Last year in Texas, more than 5,200 trained CASA volunteers strived
to find safe, loving and permanent homes for 20,233 abused and
neglected children. These CASA volunteers gain a firm understanding of
a child’s case and serve as the “eyes and ears” to a judge. Our vision
is that every abused child in Texas has a CASA volunteer to speak up
for them.
Your participation makes a difference! So, walk, run, or jog in one
of these events in a community near you -- and give a voice to Texas
children.
“These kids need someone to fight for them -for what they need- for
what is best for them so that they’ll have a future that is better than
their past.” ~ Marilyn Dietrich, CASA volunteer
“I can think of few greater things than to help a child in need.
That child is our future. You can make the difference of a lifetime-
in a child’s life and your own.” ~Gregg Dawson, CASA volunteer
|
posted Mar 17, 2010 9:49 AM by Texas Techies
[
updated Jul 17, 2010 8:17 AM by Diana Booth
]
Who: CASA Volunteers / Partners / Board Members and Interested PartiesWhat: CASA of the Coastal Bend FUN MIXER! Where: Bombay Lounge and Grill, 6314 Yorktown 986-9220Why: Kick off April Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month and Promote our 5K When: Wednesday, March 24th, 2010Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pmRSVP: Diana - diana@interconnect.net or 361-779-3664 Join us for fun and FREE Appetizers! We will have raffles for some really great prizes. Bring your friends, family & co-workers. We look forward to seeing you there! Thank you -Diana-Bombay Lounge and Grill MapGoogle Map
April is Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month.What will you do to make a difference? Are you still interested in helping children, getting involved, helping those in need....this is your opportunity. There are several training opportunities see below. Diana 361-779-3664 or diana@interconnect.net
SPEAK UP FOR A CHILD! BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER Please review the attached application. We appreciate your interest in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Contact Diana Booth or John White at 361-884-2272 if you have additional quesions/concerns. 361-947-0688 (John's cell) 361-779-3664 (Diana's Cell) Why CASA! The effort to increase volunteers is important! In Nueces 18.9 out of 1000 children were victims. 24.1% of investigations were confirmed In Texas 10.5 out of 1000 children were victims. 24.3% of investigations were confirmed. Who are CASA Volunteers? Our volunteers are everyday people, but they are also our heroes. They recognize the need for the community to get involved and put forth serious effort in helping children who are victims of abuse. CASA volunteers have stepped forward and agreed to bear this responsibility and make sure these children do not waste away in the foster care system. We want EVERY child in foster care to have a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) they can rely on and trust to be their voice in court. 2010 Trainings
- August 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th Monday and Wednesday evening training 5:30pm - 9:30pm (6 evenings total)
- September 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd Tuesday and Thursday evening training 5:30pm - 9:30pm (6 evenings total)
- October 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, 25th,27th Monday and Wednesday evening training 5:30pm - 9:30pm (6 evenings total)
- November 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th Monday and Wednesday daytime training 9:00am - 1:00pm (6 evenings total)
Qualifications*21 years of age *32 hours of classroom training *Pass an extensive background check *Provide three non-relative references
What is the Role of the CASA Volunteer? *Independently investigate the child’s case *Determine the child’s needs *Explore family and community resources to meet the child’s needs *Make recommendations to the court *Monitor the case Diana Booth, CASA of the Coastal Bend, 2602 Prescott , Corpus Christi, TX 78404
www.coastalbendcasa.org or www.becomeacasa.org |
posted Mar 9, 2010 5:24 PM by Texas Techies
[
updated Mar 9, 2010 6:13 PM
]
“I value the CASA volunteer’s opinion and weigh it highly in my decision making.”
-Judge in Decatur, Texas
“I view CASA not only as a safety net for abused and neglected children but also as an essential ally in delinquency prevention. CASA works because its volunteers make it work. The children benefit from the time, skill, objectivity and concern of the CASA volunteer for each child’s welfare. Appreciated by judicial, legal and social service communities, CASA volunteers change lives—one child at a time.”
-J. Robert Flores, Administrator, Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
“If you want to help a child for a day, give to the local food bank, but if you want to help a child for life, become a CASA.”
-Bertil Fredstrom, CASA Volunteer
“I never had someone to care about the little things in my life before- or even the big things!”
-Elizabeth Velasquez, Former CASA child
The ChallengeLast year, 47,104 children were in the State of Texas’ custody due to allegations of abuse and neglect. More than half of these children did not have the benefit of a CASA volunteer to help guide them through the overwhelmed child protection system to a safe, permanent home.
The NeedTo serve more foster children, the 68 local nonprofit CASA organizations throughout the state need additional funding to build capacity to recruit, train, and supervise more CASA volunteers. • Last year, it cost nearly $25 million to provide about 5,000 volunteer advocates for over 20,000 children. • The Legislature provides $3 million annually in state funding. • With an additional appropriation of $3 million in FY 2010 and 4.8 million in FY 2011, Texas CASA programs are committed to serving 4,000 additional children by the end of FY 2011. The DifferenceUnlike others working in the child protection system, each CASA volunteer is court-appointed to one case -- one child or set of siblings -- at a time. They spend an average of 10-15 hours a month for an average of 30 months at a time monitoring the case and reporting to the court, advocating for the child’s best interests, and being a consistent source of help and hope to the child at a time when he or she needs it the most. These committed volunteers give our most vulnerable children a fighting chance to grow up to be productive, healthy adults. “[CASA volunteers] independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions. . . .As you know, we are struggling with high caseloads and turnover rates among CPS caseworkers. . . .In this situation, the work of a CASA becomes even more important. These dedicated and caring volunteers are often the most stable adult influence during a child’s time in the foster care system.” From Letter of House Human Services to Committee to Members of the Texas House of Representatives, April 22, 2008.
Andrea Sparks, Director of Public Policy and OutreachTexas CASA, 1501 W. Anderson Lane, Suite B-2, Austin, TX 78757877-894-2272 | http://www.becomeacasa.org |
posted Jan 24, 2010 11:17 PM by Texas Techies
posted Jan 24, 2010 11:00 PM by Texas Techies
[
updated Jan 24, 2010 11:16 PM
]
A CASA Volunteer is the voice of the child in court. Through professional extensive training you learn courtroom procedures and develop strong communication techniques. Please join our team TODAY!
Please contact Diana Booth for more information:
361-884-2272
Jan 25th, 27th, Feb 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th
Monday and Wednesday Evening training - 6 days total 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Feb 23rd, 25th, March 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th
Tuesday and Thursday
Daytime training - 6 days total
9:00am – 1:00pm
March 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 29th, 31st
Monday and Wednesday
Evening training - 6 days total
5:30pm – 9:30pm |
posted Oct 4, 2009 8:11 PM by Texas Techies
[
updated May 19, 2010 3:56 AM
]
Drugs, alcohol, even a hot temper: things that can lead to abuse and neglect of children. Child abuse is on the rise in the coastal bend, and that's where CASA volunteers step in, often providing a voice for these young victims, but the organization is in need of help.
Our Bill Churchwell explains.
|
posted Oct 4, 2009 8:04 PM by Texas Techies
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, has been honored by CASA of Nueces County, a nonprofit corporation whose volunteer members speak out during legal hearings on behalf of abused and neglected foster children.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Those advocates speak out in court representing the sole interest of the child. CASA of Nueces County is one of more than 60 local programs in Texas. Their goals focus on placing these children in safe, nuturing environments as quickly as possible. CASA of the Coastal Bend serves Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas counties.
Hinojosa was recognized for his role in budgeting state money – about $7 million, according to CASA officials – during last spring's regular session of the Texas Legislature to recruit and train more volunteers.
Featured, seated, from left: Diana Booth; Vicki Hale; Sandra Strub; Noe Ortiz; and Drusilla Knight. Standing, from left: Mary Breen; Samanth Koepp; Anne Carelton; Don Melampy; Belinda Villarreal; Kathy Coker; Andrea Sparks; Sen. Hinojosa; Page Hall; Elia Gutiérrez; René Ramírez. See story later in this posting.
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posted Oct 4, 2009 7:53 PM by Texas Techies
Back Row left to right – Judge Tom Greenwell, Willie Campbell, Joe Mireles, Marcus Kent, Montego Kornegay; F
ront Row left to right – Bob Haagenson, Jessica Dillashaw, Marjorie Seip, Pat Ponton, Susan Baker
Please join us as we welcome the newest 9 voices for children in foster care!
For the first time in CASA of the Coastal Bend history we will have the males outnumber the females!
One man Willie Campbell stated “I’m doing good to a promise I made to the late Judge Carl E. Lewis.”
This group of volunteers were sworn in Sept 17, 2009 and are ready to Speak up for our Children!
CASA Volunteers: Our volunteers are everyday people, but they are also our heroes. They recognize the need for the community to get involved and put forth serious effort in helping children who are victims of abuse. CASA volunteers have stepped forward and agreed to bear this responsibility and make sure these children do not waste away in the foster care system. We want EVERY child in foster care to have a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) they can rely on and trust to be their voice in court.
2009 Upcoming Training
**September 21st—24th & 28th—Oct 1st 5:30pm—9:30pm (8 days total)
**October 19th, 26th, Nov 2nd, 9th, 16th (5 Consecutive Mondays) 5:30pm — 9:30pm
**November 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th, & 19th (Tuesday & Thursdays) 9:00am—1:00pm ( 6 days total)
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